3 - The Background of the Problem: Review of the Literature

Abstract

This chapter highlights the review process of the literature in research. A review of the literature is an ongoing enterprise. It takes place in several phases as one develops a clearer, better-focused understanding of the problem. Each modification of the problem suggests further reading of relevant sources. The review process enables one to hook the study onto the chain of scientific knowledge; in isolation, one's work might not be of interest to other researchers, or its importance might be overlooked. Presenting the problem background, thus, serves two main purposes: (1) proper placement of study in the context of current theory—the consumer of research should be able to identify its theoretical base and the implications of this theory which one has pursued in formulating testable propositions and (2) appropriate connection of one's study to prior studies—the consumer of the research will see clearly in what ways it extends, contradicts, or complements already-existing knowledge, fills in gaps identified by other researchers, and opens new lines of investigation. The place of one's study in its overall disciplinary setting will be clear, as will its connection to work in related fields.